Sleep

Sleep disturbances are common with Alzheimer’s disease and they impact both the person with the disease and the caregiver. While older adults without the disease may experience changes in their sleep patterns, they tend to be more severe in someone with the disease.

Types of sleep disturbances

Someone with dementia may have difficulty staying asleep at night. He may wake more frequently than normal and also have more difficulty falling back to sleep. When awake, he may wander, be restless or call out, which disrupts the caregiver’s sleep as well.

He may also sleep during the day, and, as this gets worse, he may eventually be unable to sleep at night. In extreme situations, he may reverse his sleep patterns, sleeping most of the day and being awake most of the night. This leads to a period of great restlessness and agitation in the late afternoon or early evening, often called “sundowning.”

Other factors that may worsen the problem

In addition to the typical sleep disturbances, other medical problems can make sleeping worse. He may suffer from depression, which can have associated sleep disturbances. Restless leg syndrome can also keep him up at night, when the symptoms seem to be worst. Sleep apnea, which causes an abnormal breathing pattern, can also disturb sleep. Consult a doctor for these conditions, as treatments are available that may alleviate them.

Treatment for sleep disturbances

Treatment for sleep disturbances include both medication and non-medication approaches. Medications are not considered to be a long-term solution, as they do not appear to improve sleep quality for older adults. Long-term use can also increase the chance of falls and other risks.

Non-medication approaches include getting regular exercise (but not just before going to bed) and avoiding alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and nicotine. Make sure the bedroom is a comfortable temperature, and provide security objects and nightlights if needed. (But too much light can make it harder to sleep.)

Move daytime clothing out of sight, so that it doesn’t act as a trigger to get dressed. It’s a good idea to aim for regular meal times, bedtimes and wakeup times. Try a light snack before bed, including herbal tea or warm milk. Make sure he has any pain medication, if necessary. Before bedtime, she should avoid other medications that might keep her awake, such as any cholinesterase inhibitors (tacrine, donepezil, rivastigmine or galantamine).

If she does wake up at night, encourage her to get out of bed and do something quiet like read or listen to relaxing music. Discourage doing anything stimulating such as watching television. Try to stay calm and avoid arguing. Remember, she is not intentionally staying awake. If you can, gently guide her back to bed.

If non-medication methods don’t work, you may want to ask a doctor about medication for sleep. Keep in mind that sleep medication for people with cognitive impairments such as dementia comes with risks, including risk of falls, increased confusion and a decline in independence. Try to discontinue sleep medication once a more regular sleep pattern returns.

Ask your doctor about the types of medications available to help a person sleep. Depending on the other types of behaviours she has, the doctor may prescribe different types of drugs.

If he is prescribed a medication, ask questions to understand what to expect. Find out the benefits and risks of the medication, as well as any other options.

Sleep disturbances can be one of the most difficult aspects of dementia. Caregivers must also get enough sleep. Try some of the non-medication approaches listed above, or talk to your doctor.